Ed Kemper, whose full name is Edmund Emil Kemper III, is a name that sends shivers down the spines of those familiar with the darkest chapters of criminal history. Born on December 18, 1948, in Burbank, California, Kemper would go on to become one of America's most notorious serial killers. His gruesome crimes and chilling demeanor have earned him a lasting place in the annals of true crime. This introduction will delve into the early life, disturbing actions, and psychological profile of Ed Kemper, shedding light on the man behind the monstrosities he committed

FAMILY BACKGROUND:

Edmund Emil Kemper III was born on December 18, 1948, in Burbank, California

. His parents, Edmund Kemper Jr. and Clarnell Kemper had a stormy marriage and separated when Edmund was nine. They divorced four years later, and he pined for his absent father through a succession of abusive stepfathers

. Kemper had a close relationship with his father and was notably devastated when his parents divorced in 1957, causing him to be raised by Clarnell in Helena, Montana

. Kemper had a severely dysfunctional relationship with his mother, a neurotic, domineering alcoholic who frequently belittled, humiliated, and abused him

. Once, when his elder sister tried to push him in front of a train and another time when she successfully pushed him into the deep end of a swimming pool, where he almost drowned

. After his parents' divorce, he moved to Montana with his abusive mother at a young age before returning to California, where he murdered his paternal grandparents when he was 15.

Ed Kemper had two sisters, Susan Swanson, and Allyn Lee Kemper

Allyn was younger than Ed and testified as the first defense witness in his trial

According to a 2017 interview with Ed Kemper's brother, half of the family, including his sisters Susan Swanson and Allyn Smith, believe he's a "good person who did bad things"

 Allyn still visits Ed Kemper in prison
( Not much is known about Kemper's sisters)

The exact words spoken by Clarnell Strandberg, Ed Kemper's mother, before her murder have not been widely documented. However, it is known that their argument on the night of the murder was intense and heated, likely revolving around their strained relationship and ongoing conflicts. The argument is believed to have reached a boiling point, ultimately leading to the tragic events that followed.

As for the murder weapons used by Ed Kemper in the killing of his mother, he reportedly used a claw hammer. This blunt and deadly instrument was used to bludgeon her to death in her bed.

Ed Kemper's reactions following the murder were chillingly calm and calculated. After killing his mother, he admitted that he sat down and had a drink, even waiting for his mother's friend, Sally Hallett, to arrive at the house. Kemper later called the police to confess to the murder, providing detailed information about the crime.

Kemper's demeanor during the court proceedings and in interviews with law enforcement and psychologists was often described as calm and cooperative. His actions and confessions were marked by a disturbing level of detail and a lack of remorse. These characteristics contributed to the perception of him as a cold and calculating serial killer.


Ed Kemper's murder of his mother, Clarnell Strandberg, is a SIGNIFICANT, and chilling chapter in his gruesome criminal history.

On April 20, 1973, in Santa Cruz, California, Ed Kemper carried out the murder of his mother, Clarnell Strandberg. The murder took place in her home, where Kemper had been living on and off for several years.

Details of the Murder:

The murder of Clarnell Strandberg followed a pattern of violence that Kemper had exhibited throughout his life. Kemper's relationship with his mother had been strained and tumultuous for years. Clarnell was verbally abusive and critical towards her son, and this had a profound impact on Kemper's psychological state.

On the night of the murder, Kemper and his mother engaged in a heated argument. As the argument escalated, Kemper, already deeply disturbed, snapped. He attacked his mother with a claw hammer while she was in her bed, bludgeoning her to death. After killing her, Kemper reportedly decapitated her and engaged in disturbing acts with her body.

Court Proceedings: After committing the murder, Ed Kemper called the police himself, confessing to the crime and waiting for them to arrive at the scene. He was arrested without resistance and provided detailed statements about the murder.

Kemper's trial began in October 1973. His defense team argued that he was legally insane at the time of the murder, but the prosecution countered with evidence of his calculated actions and his ability to distinguish right from wrong. The jury ultimately found Kemper guilty of first-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison.